People news from Containerization & Intermodal Institute, Maryland DOT and NASA

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) has named Peter Tirschwell, vice president of the Journal of Commerce at S&P Global Market Intelligence, as the 2025 Connie Award recipient for Long Beach. The Connie Award is presented to those who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and influence in advancing containerization and intermodalism, CII officials said in a press release. Also, George Goldman, a longtime industry leader — with executive roles at shipping companies CMA CGM and ZIM — will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of impact across global shipping and logistics. The awards will be presented Sept. 17 at the Marriott Downtown Long Beach, California.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore yesterday announced that Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld will step away from state service on Aug. 1. Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle will serve as acting secretary while Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller leads a nationwide search to fill the official cabinet post, according to a press release issued by the governor's office. Wiedefeld, who held the position for two and a half years, cited his approaching 70th birthday as a good time to step down, according to The Washington Post. Prior to being named head of the Maryland DOT, Wiedefeld was general manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C. 

President Donald Trump yesterday announced on Truth Social he's appointing U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to serve as interim administrator of NASA. "He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time," Trump said of Duffy. In a post on X.com, Duffy said of his new duties: "Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch."